For many people with learning disabilities, managing finances is not just a challenge—it’s a barrier that impacts their independence and quality of life. Unfortunately, as traditional bank branches close and digital payments take over, the problem of financial exclusion is growing in the UK, affecting an estimated 1.5 million adults with learning disabilities.
In addition to this, the rise in sophisticated scams further complicates their financial independence, making access to basic services feel increasingly out of reach.
Addressing the Challenge with Project Nemo
Project Nemo, a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, is working alongside Fintech Fringe and The Payments Association to address this significant issue. The aim of the initiative is clear: to remove barriers in the financial sector that hinder adults with learning disabilities from achieving financial autonomy.
Launched in 2023, Fintech Fringe brings together innovative fintech startups and established financial institutions to spark new solutions that can drive meaningful change. Meanwhile, The Payments Association plays a crucial role in the UK payments industry, fostering collaboration and pushing forward innovation in financial services.
Together, they have come together to launch a project that aims to provide adults with learning disabilities the tools they need to take control of their finances, independently and securely.
The Scale of the Problem
The challenges faced by people with learning disabilities are not just about inconvenience—they’re about control. When someone is unable to manage their own money, they lose more than just a convenience; they lose a sense of independence.
It often feels like a step backward, handing over control of one’s finances to others. But for many, this is the reality as bank branches continue to close and digital payment options become the norm.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the risks. Adults with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the rise of financial scams, which add another layer of stress and uncertainty. As a result, the financial independence that many of us take for granted becomes an increasingly difficult goal for them to reach.
Fintech Innovation to the Rescue
Project Nemo is inviting fintech companies to participate in Fintech Fringe’s Innovation Challenge Series, aiming to identify and expand solutions for making banking and financial services more accessible to people with learning disabilities. The competition connects financial institutions with fintech startups to tackle industry challenges.
Fintechs with customer-facing or B2B solutions are encouraged to pitch their ideas to a panel that includes end-users and financial institutions. The five most impactful solutions will be selected to present their work on the Innovation Stage at Pay360 2025, one of Europe’s largest payments shows, which is expected to attract over 6,000 industry professionals.
Project Nemo founder Joanne Dewar is urging fintechs to provide innovative solutions that empower adults with learning disabilities to achieve financial independence, using customer-facing tools or B2B innovations to drive significant change in an underserved market.
Project Nemo, PAY360, and Fintech Fringe are partnering to create a lasting legacy of financial inclusion for adults with learning disabilities, prioritizing accessibility in the fintech space by amplifying the voices of underserved communities and enhancing innovation.
Making a Difference with Financial Inclusion
Calypso Harland, the founder of the Fintech Fringe Innovation Challenge Series, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Project Nemo on this Innovation Challenge. This challenge highlights exactly why we launched the initiative: to foster collaboration between fintechs and financial institutions and drive tangible impact on real-world issues.”
The live online launch event for the Innovation Challenge, set for 10 February, will provide an overview of the challenge’s objectives, judging criteria, and how interested fintech companies can get involved.
The Future of Financial Independence for All
Through this initiative, Project Nemo and its partners are making critical strides in ensuring that banking services are accessible to all. By leveraging fintech innovation and collaborating with the financial sector, they are not just solving a problem—they are empowering people with learning disabilities to regain control of their financial futures.
By focusing on practical, user-friendly solutions, the initiative will open up new possibilities for financial autonomy, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. This project underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in fintech and is a model for future innovations aimed at addressing financial exclusion across all sectors of society.
I hope you find the above content helpful. For more such informative content, please visit Fintech Maestro.
